National Park Service Recovers Body of Canyon Runner

Grand Canyon, AZ - Today at approximately 2:00 p.m. Grand Canyon National Park rangers discovered the body of a 24 year old runner who had been reported missing earlier today.

Margaret L. Bradley, a Chicago resident, and a companion began a "day run" from the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park at the Grandview Trailhead with the intention of arriving at Phantom Ranch that same evening on Thursday, July 8, 2004. After becoming separated, her companion hiked back to the rim and returned to Flagstaff, Arizona. Believing Ms. Bradley had continued on to Phantom Ranch her companion had left a message at Phantom Ranch stating he could not make it to the river and would be returning to Flagstaff. Her family, who was to meet her in Flagstaff on Friday, reported her missing to the Flagstaff Police Department.

National Park Service search and rescue rangers began searching for Ms. Bradley early this morning after being contacted by both the Flagstaff Police Department and the woman’s family. Park rangers discovered the body of Ms. Bradley at approximately 2:00 p.m. in a drainage known as Cremation below the Tonto Trail shortly after launching an aerial search. Search dogs, provided by Denny and Marsha Bratcher, of Page, Arizona, were scheduled to assist in the search.

The body has been transported to the Coconino County Medical Examiners Office in Flagstaff, Arizona. The National Park Service and Coconino Country Sheriff's Department will conduct an investigation.

Weather in the inner canyon has been hot and dry with highs between 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit, and lows around 75 degrees Fahrenheit.